Distinguished Service Award
Adele S. Block

A long-time community activist, Mrs. Adele S. Block was a great supporter and friend of the Abington School District. She contributed selflessly to Abington students, families, and the community. Mrs. Block had been extremely instrumental in supporting and encouraging the excellence that has been the hallmark of the Abington School District and the success of our students. Mrs. Block served as a School Board member for 25 years, and for five years prior to that as a very involved parent association member and leader. She had been elected president of the School Board seven times, vice-president twice, had served on virtually every School Board committee, having been the chairperson of the Audit, Policy, Curriculum, and Personnel Committees. Mrs. Block represented the School Board and Abington with many outside groups and agencies. She served on the School Board during times when hard decisions were necessary to consolidate facilities and redistrict, as well as during recent times when enrollments increased, unfunded Federal mandates required costly new programs, and renovation, and new construction projects were planned and completed. Although Mrs. Block was a fiscal conservative, she always put the children first.

In January 2003, the Abington School Board voted to create a new title, "School Board Director Emeritus," and conferred it upon Mrs. Block in acknowledgement and appreciation for the long, dedicated service she provided to public education and Abington School District. This was a never-before held title in Abington. A plaque will be presented to Mrs. Elizabeth Chavous, Board President, at a future School Board meeting to commemorate this honor. In addition, to pay tribute to Mrs. Block, the Abington School Board and Administration are developing plans to name the Rydal East Library the "Adele S. Block Library" where early in her community service career she was an active Rydal PTO member.

Mrs. Adele Block died February 23, 2003 after a brief illness. A Memorial Fund has been established through the Abington School District. Checks made payable to "Abington School District," can be sent to the attention of the Dr. Amy Sichel, Superintendent of Schools, 970 Highland Avenue, Abington, PA 19001. Please indicate on the memo section of the check that the donation is to be placed in the Adele S. Block Memorial Fund. The Block Family will specify how the funds will be used to benefit the children of Abington School District.

Mrs. Block will be greatly missed by the Abington and Rockledge communities. She was a good friend and touched all of our lives with her intelligence, wisdom, and devotion to the Abington School District. Mrs. Block is survived by her husband, Werner, and two sons, Douglass and Michael, and their families. Both sons attended Abington School District and gave their mother great joy and pride.

[Back to the Special Events page]